New Bug Hotel Opens in Merrion Gardens, Leeds, Supporting Biodiversity and Community Learning

A new Bug Hotel has opened in Merrion Gardens, Leeds, thanks to a fantastic collaboration between schoolchildren, construction students, and local organisations. This unique project aims to support biodiversity and provide a hands-on learning experience for young people while making the city greener.

Project Overview

The Bug Hotel was officially unveiled on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, and is located next to the Merrion Centre, owned by Town Centre Securities (TCS). The initiative is part of a broader effort by Child Friendly Leeds to engage children in environmental education and encourage creativity. In December 2025, a competition was launched inviting schools across Leeds to submit designs for a structure that would support local wildlife. A total of 35 entries were received, showcasing the imaginative ideas of students. After careful judging by Leeds College of Building students, two winning designs were chosen. One design, created by Matilda and Harriet from Lady Elizabeth Hastings Primary School, was installed in Merrion Gardens, while the second design was placed at East SILC John Jamieson.

Community Collaboration

This project is a shining example of how different groups can work together for a common goal. Key partners include:

• Child Friendly Leeds

• Town Centre Securities (TCS)

• Merrion Centre

• ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena Hotel

• Leeds College of Building

• Leeds City Council’s Parks and Countryside team

Additionally, materials for the Bug Hotel were donated by The Arium, making it a true community effort. Leeds College of Building students took the children's sketches and transformed them into real-life bug hotels. This involved creating detailed drawings, cutting lists, and using practical construction techniques. The students gained valuable experience in turning creative concepts into tangible structures, which is an essential skill in the building industry.

Importance of Biodiversity

The Bug Hotel project holds significant importance for both the local ecosystem and community learning. Insects play a crucial role in our environment, helping with processes like pollination and decomposition. By creating a space specifically for bugs, the project encourages people, especially children, to learn more about these often-overlooked creatures. Alla Pearson, the sales manager at ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena, spoke about the values behind the project:

"We are incredibly proud to have supported the Bug Hotel project and to have worked alongside Child Friendly Leeds, TCS, Leeds College of Building and local schools to bring this idea to life."

This sentiment reflects the success of the collaboration and the positive impact it has on the community, helping to foster a sense of responsibility towards nature and the environment.

Long-Term Impact

The Bug Hotel is not just a temporary installation; it represents a lasting commitment to environmental education and community engagement.

Charlotte-Daisy Leeming, head of ESG at TCS, emphasised the project's significance:

"We're proud to support a project that brings together young people's creativity, education and biodiversity. The Bug Hotel is a lasting addition to Merrion Gardens, showing how partnership working can create positive environmental and community impact while inspiring future generations to care for nature."

Sadiya Salim, partnership lead at Child Friendly Leeds, added to this by stating, "It's fantastic to see children's ideas become a permanent feature in a city centre park, supporting both nature and community learning." This highlights the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, which helps turn children's creativity into something that benefits biodiversity and education for years to come.

What This Means for Leeds

The opening of the Bug Hotel in Merrion Gardens is a significant step towards making Leeds a more child-friendly and environmentally conscious city. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local initiatives that encourage young people to engage with nature and learn about their surroundings. This project also sets a precedent for future collaborations between schools, businesses, and local organisations. By working together, communities can create lasting changes that benefit both the environment and local residents. As the Bug Hotel becomes a part of Merrion Gardens, it is expected to attract not just insects, but also families and school groups eager to learn more about biodiversity. Such initiatives can foster a deeper appreciation for nature and encourage the next generation to take an active role in protecting the environment. The Bug Hotel is a perfect example of how creativity and collaboration can lead to positive change, making Leeds a greener and more vibrant city for everyone.